Traveling by rail has a charm to it that escapes the more modern air travel, namely because you get the chance to observe some of the world’s most stunning sights along the way. Read on to find out which scenic railway journeys you have to add to your European bucket list in 2020.

Travel Through Germany On The Brocken Railway

France’s La Rhune Never Seems To Age

La Rhune train overlooking French countryside
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Witness Switzerland’s Beauty Aboard The Glacier Express

Woman aboard The Glacier Express reading
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Observe Spain’s Hidden Gems Aboard El Transcantábrico

If you’re going to travel along Spain’s picturesque north coast then you might as well book a ticket on El Transcantábrico, one of the country’s most luxurious five-star rail lines. Both the deluxe and junior suites radiate a sense of luxury, as do the saloon cars.

The train makes use of vintage Pullman coaches from 1923, leaving passengers with the feeling that they’ve been transported back to a very lavish point in time. Although El Transcantábrico is marketed as a five-star hotel on wheels, the real reason to book a ticket is to observe the magnificent views along the way.

The route will take you to such coastal destinations as Viveiro, Luarca, and Candás, giving you the option to stay on board for between two and five nights.

See Scotland On The Jacobite Steam Train

Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland
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Scotland is home to some of the most superb landscapes in the world, but that’s not the only reason why you should book a seat on the Jacobite Steam Train. For Harry Potter fans, this is the closest thing any of us will ever get to riding The Hogwarts Express. During the ride through Scotland’s breathtaking countryside, you’ll pass the Glenfinnan viaduct which is featured in the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s famous story. The steam train will take you on a journey lasting for two hours, during which you’ll have the chance to witness several beautiful and historically significant sights. The train departs near Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Great Britain, and arrives as its final destination of Loch Nevis, the deepest seawater loch in Europe. NEXT: The 10 Cheapest Train Journeys You Can Take Around The World